Nigeria: CFWIJ Condemns Domestic Violence Against Journalist Nefasah Vandi
Location: Nigeria, YoloDate: August 30, 2022
Journalist Nefasah Vandi was reportedly physically assaulted by her estranged husband in August. Domestic violence against Nigerian journalist, who was brutally beaten shows that women journalists face obstacles not just because of their work but also their gender. Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the appalling attack and extends support to women journalists who face mistreatment and abuse because of both their gender and their reportage. Disparaging attitudes towards gender in the society at large infiltrate the profession as well.
According to the International Press Centre (IPC) report, ABC jounralist Nefasah (a mother of three children) was allegedly beaten to the point of stupor by her estranged husband Ibrahim Aliyu, which caused various injuries including dislocation of one of her hands.
The violence Nefasah faced is a gross violation of human rights and women's integrity which gravely affects women professional engagements and ability to work.
Safety of women journalists is crucial and CFWIJ calls on authorities to investigate Nefasah’s brutal violence and prosecute the perpetrator as a step toward reducing attacks on women safety in Nigeria. The increase in cases of domestic violence against women by husbands is alarming.
We must be cognizant that while attacks on journalists go unpunished, gendered attacks on women journalists often also go unnoticed.
The Coalition For Woman In Jonralism stress on the impunity for gendered discrimination, and rhetoric, that women journalists face, not just in the field but at home, at the workplace and in society at large for these kinds of violations they face. Domestic violence and femicide are among the most dangerous human rights violations around the world. These crimes must be addressed and the perpetrators penalized. CFWIJ calls the authorities to protect journalist Nefasah Vandi until the investigations are carried out and be provided with medical and psychological help.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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